Officer's Gorget c1800


Gorgets were worn by infantry officers in the British Army from 1660 to 1830. Up until 1796 there were many different patterns engraved on then but after that date there was a universal pattern that was worn by infantry officers which was gilt with the royal arms engraved in the centre. The Guards, however, had their own patterns. The Coldstream Guards gorget, seen here, was plain gilt with the Hanoverian royal arms raised in silver. The 1st Guards had a similar pattern but with engraved patterns in the upper extremities. The Scots Guards had an engraved royal arms and the lettering 3rd GDS engraved in the extremities. Officers continued to wear them until 1831 and in the case of officers serving abroard, until 1832. It was tied round the neck with blue ribbons which were formed into rosettes.


Uniforms | Regimental Details


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by Stephen Luscombe